leaving town

I finished my final exam... what a relief it is! Now I finally get to relax for a few weeks (and clean up the pig-sty of my room! not looking forward to that..) Some of us decided to head down to the uni tavern after the exam finished... It was really great being able to hang out with some of the other people from my course... we often don't get to hang out together just because everyone is so busy and most have other jobs/ errands to do on top of this crazy course. The weather was nice, sunny and warm, and our gathering got quite big, so we moved down to the lawn outside and just lounged out on the grass - what a carefree life! One hot topic of conversation today was what everyone was doing for the holidays... it seems that the majority of my classmates (I'd say about 80%) are all going away, leaving town for a bit, getting away from Perth... hooray for travelling! btw happy birthday Louisa, the brave girl who had to sit for our most unappealing exam on her supposed day of celebration!

carol, nicole and a friend + soaking up the sun

chilling on the lawn + katherine

Speaking of leaving town, my friend Peter has left town to go back to his home country Poland for good. He'd been in Perth for about a year and a half and has been a brilliant bass player in the youth and church worship team. Hopefully will be able to see him back in town soon... otherwise we'll all have to trek over to Europe for a good visit! We had a surprise farewell party for him on Saturday night... a great night, a terrific party!

the worship team + ann and peter

anne & jess + peter giving some input

watching the video + samn

jess bryce anne + karina & peter - the cute couple

ann and anne + mike karina mat leanne

rote learning sucks

Finished my prac, and completed another 2 exams... another 2 more to go (finishing on Wednesday) then it's holiday!!! yay! can't wait! I can't understand after spending a semester being preached to about norm criterion testing and exams not being a good way to show students' progress, I'm now cramming for exams (and all the information read keeps popping back out!).... a good way to show how I've reflected my study units? I don't think so. And I can't believe that it's been four and a half years such I last had an exam at uni... scary!!!

Anyway during my prac I was introduced by my fellow student teachers Matt and Dave, a pretty interesting time-filler: Sudoku - the brain busting number pattern puzzle that orginated from Japan. I haven't tried it yet, but I will after exams! Sounds like a prefect game to play huddled in front of a heater on a cold day.

Congratulations to Derek & Janice who are getting married today in HK, and to Rhiana & Kaz who are getting married tomorrow in Toronto!

having a rest day

It's Foundation Day's public holiday today in Western Australia... celebrating the day Captain Stirling and his crew entered the Swan region (Perth) many many years ago. Anyway I was able to sleep in today... I don't know how teachers do it, but how do you write lesson plans day after day and then have the energy to go and teach the kids?! I've finished one week of this prac, and another four days to go... really loving teaching the kids, not as excited about writing the lesson plans for each subject, and definitely not excited about having to revise for exams and also to start an assignment for LOTE. sigh!

Yesterday at church, Sante, a group from Sydney's CCC Oxford Falls came and shared and ministered. They were really awesome. I wasn't too familiar with the music, but that was the thing, it helped ignite real worship in me, not me singing words I knew to match the lyrics written, but it helped free my spirit into singing something I want to sing and say to God. I loved the experience. It was also good to catch up with Jeff Crabtree, a member of Sante... he stayed in my house in Hong Kong for a conference ages back... It's really inspiring seeing what God has done through his life to impact others.

It reminded me of what Brian Houston, from Hillsong Church, spoke about at the Leadership Rise last week. He said, "What's in your hand in your calling, it's what you do. What's in your heart is your purpose, it's what you love." and he went on to explain that often we forget about our calling, because we just want to see our purpose fulfilled. But it's actually being faithful to what you have in your hands, what you're gifted with, then and only then can it open what's in your heart. Another thing Brian said was, "Accept that God designed you the way you are." It really helped me put my priorities back into perspective. Often I strive to be someone I want to be, but the reality is, it isn't me. And reflecting it back into my teaching practices, I see so many fantastic teachers out there, and I really want to be like them, but I need to know and accept the teacher God has designed me to be.

new family member

Just wanted to welcome my newest family member... Benjamin Choong! Congratulations to my cousin Sharon and her husband who are now proud parents!

baby benjamin + sharon benjamin moses

proud grandparents + benjamin yawning

finally finished something!

I finally taught my Mandarin lingo lesson to my classmates. I have to admit it was quite a scary experience cuz each one of my classmates also have to present in their own target language so they are all experts in their own way... plus seeing one or two critical frowns made me feel a little intimidated.... nevertheless I taught and it's now over!!! Special thanks to Ren who helped me tape a segment of Taiwanese radio (it was a really tough task for him and all his mates at Sony BMG!!) so I could introduce it in my class to help add a tad of realism into the language learning process. I love my friends I have in my LOTE (Languages Other Than English) class, they are really precious! I was so touched as they volunteered to help me set up my classroom, helped me stick my maps and pictures on the wall, and afterwards took it all down, helped with the packing up... I am so blessed!

I also finished knitting the scarf for my brother. It's supposed to be his birthday present. Hope he likes it. I was quite rusty at first... hadn't touched the knitting needles in years... eventually got into the swing of it... and here's the end result!

glitter amidst intensity

Been back at uni for a week... my brain's still fried... I really do pray that it recovers soon. Had lots on my mind as well. I've had quite a few talks with God regarding vunerability, insecurity, rest, friendships and relationships recently, and funnily, a few close friends shared that they were also pondering on similar issues. I've been encouraged reading what Tom wrote in his blog about friendships and I'm currently loving his band Uncle Joe's track "It's your still small voice".

It's your still small voice I hear
Whispering to me
And how I feel so close to you
I can feel you breath
I feel I can't live
Unless you live in me
I feel I can't be
Unless you're near

Take away my stubbornness
Take away my pride
Take away my glory
In you I will reside
I know that I have said this
I've said this all before
But I will say it any way,
I can give you more

You're all I want, all I need!

My simple words cannot express
My thoughts cannot compare
The beauty of your sacrifice
The beauty of your care
It makes me weep to think of it
You're watching from above
Oh lord I think I'm coming back
To my first love

You're all I want, all I need!

In between my scarf knitting time and uni, I managed to go to Matty's 21st last night at a Freo pub. It was relaxing - eating ice-cream and dancing. And an additional plus was that I was able to meet up with quite a few of my Canadian classmates throughout the night! (here are just a few pics taken last night)

jess, marj, leanne and jj + azza, matt j, bryce, matty

happy 21st Matty!

it just keeps on going

Just finished my first prac at a primary school. I got placed in a Year 6/7 class. Being very unfamiliar with what kids were like at that age my initial thinking was that they were like young adolescents, bratty, hormonal etc... I totally overestimated! They were the sweetest batch of kids, and I felt very lucky to have them as my students. While I loved the kids, I found it very very difficult to plan my lessons. I had many 'I didn't get much sleep' nights while writing out lesson plans, working them out in my mind, creating worksheets and tasks for them to do, etc. By the end of my prac I just felt that my brain was totally fried and wasn't able to plan another lesson. Although it was a lot of work, I really enjoyed the time I got to spend at the school... no, in fact I loved it. It's heaps more practical than the stuff I'm learning at uni, cuz I actually get to see the reactions and responses from my students, and that's just something theories can't prepare you for. Going back to uni on Monday... (the less enjoyable part of this course!) gotta teach a 20 min lesson of Mandarin in my LOTE/ESL class on Tuesday... and have massive assignments due later too!!! It just never seems to end. Over our lunch breaks during the prac, we (the student teachers) would encourage one another "don't worry, it'll all be over in November!"... Really? If I got a job next year teaching, I think I would be spending quite a bit of time planning what I will be teaching and assessing the students... I don't think the busyness will ever end will it?!... just have to learn to adjust and balance it all out! I'm just finding the whole situation quite amusing at the moment...

a full on week

My cousin Kenneth and his friend Ren came over from Taiwan last week and I must say it was one of the best weeks I've had here in Perth. Because we were living in Hong Kong and my cousin in Taiwan, we never really got to know one another well. I somehow managed to make it through the busy week. Went to uni, did some sightseeing with Kenneth and Ren, ate heaps, celebrated mom's birthday then Syl's birthday, went to my classmate's surprise birthday party, went out and checked out Aussie beers with the Taiwanese tourists, went karaokeing, etc... It was really sad and emotional having to say goodbye to my grandma, my cousin and Ren... but I guess the good memories will always remain.

my popo + whatever

sarah and the boys + nicole and her flatmates

superheroes + ann & jess

at hog's breath + mom, popo and kenneth

c-o-o-o-l + sarah & bryce

kenneth + sarah & ann

sarah, ann & ren + posers

breathing again (just!)

I had four assignments to hand in last week, two of them were lesson presentations plus a write-up. It was my killer week. If you saw me last week you'd have known that I was a complete zombie and I'm still recovering from it. What I did learn from my past week was that I can get easily stressed out, and I am also a procrastinator - what a combination! I suffered quite a bit physically and emotionally, but I ploughed it out eventually (mentally telling myself that it'll all be over on Thursday). Just when I thought I was able to have a fantastically relaxed, do anything I want type weekend, I found out on Wednesday that my cousin from Taiwan was to arrive in Perth with his friend and stay with us for a week before bringing my grandma back home with them. So Saturday morning instead of sleeping in I was awake at 6:30am to accompany my mother who still doesn't quite know her way to the airport to pick them up. I ended up bring the chauffeur for the weekend (we checked out Freo on Saturday afternoon - fish & chips and coffee, and the Universal Bar on Saturday night - for some real Aussie beers). Although I am still quite zombie-like, I'm really loving hanging out with my cousin. I'll update more later. But for now I need to catch up on some sleep!

slow learner

I have decided that I'm actually a very slow and stubborn learner. Recently I've been learning and relearning about - surrendering and making challenging choices. Even just a few days ago I was stressed about really trivial issues, it really made no sense to me what I was feeling all I knew was that I was feeling really down and anxious about things. I said to a friend a few weeks back that I was thinking of being more involved with the youth/ young adult ministry, and I left it as that. Funnily and sure enough within a week I was approached by different people asking me about my interest in roles available. I've been pondering about my self-esteem and confidence, doubting my own abilities and feeling intimidated. I was really amazed about God's efficiency, He heard my conversation with my friend and then answered it. He sees my heart and potential, He doesn't see me the way I see myself. I need more faith in Him. Surrendering I think for me will always be an ongoing lesson that I will have to continue to learn.

my grandma

We received the news this afternoon that my grandma 嫲嫲 (dad's mother) had just passed away peacefully after lunch in Malaysia. She would have been 87 years old this year. Mom and dad and two of my cousins have flewn back to Malaysia for the funeral (Thursday 31st). I wasn't able to go back, so I'm at home with Sarah and my other grandma 婆婆 from Taiwan.

It made me look back and remember what an awesome woman my grandma was. Some of my memories: She flew to Hong Kong from the tropical country just for my birth and braved the harsh winter months; she was a nifty tailor and we all wore pyjamas made by her when we were little; she told us that we had to drink Milo to grow taller; the malay phrases she always used 'ais-krim', 'roti' etc. She will be missed but not forgotten.

my grandma's 80th birthday ('98)

it's another long weekend

HAPPY EASTER!


b.c. comic 21st March 2005

Riverview's got three Good Friday services - 9 & 11am and 3pm.
And looking forward to hearing reports from the Vine's Davao and Sri Lanka mission trips.

a year in review

Time has gone by, and without realising it I've been in Perth for a year and seven days now. Looking back, so many things have happened (and I'm sure I've missed quite a lot out)- in chronological order: my cousin Syl's wedding, went to Melbourne for my friend Andrew's wedding & my other cousin Michelle's wedding, met up with Ruth and met Anna for the first time in person, hung out with Rachel while she was at YWAM Perth, Riverview's Encounter worship recording, went to Sydney for Hillsong 2004 conference and got to meet up with my friends from HK, Sarah and Mom moved over to Perth, started going to cell group, volunteered at the church office, painted the entire house with Sarah, moved into our new home in Leeming, started going to Youth/ Young Adults on Friday nights, joined the choir, became a partner of Riverview, found Maree at church, had my birthday, went to Karri Valley and Margaret River with my family, young adults rivercruise, was a witness at my high school friend's wedding, had our first Christmas in Perth with all my relatives, officially started singing in the choir, got my driver's licence, started uni, got a new car... God has definitely answered my prayers, He has provided me with an awesome church and friends that are amazing.

Of course, I do miss Hong Kong... my friends back there, the vine, the food, the shopping, the transportation system, the atmosphere, the place where I grew up. But I know that I'm here in Perth because He has placed me here for a reason, and I love that fact.

believe

Got 2 assignments to go before the weekend and then I have 2 weeks of holiday! Yay! Really excited about the break... I mean after 8 intense weeks of uni it's definitely a good thing. Hopefully my brain will be able to bounce back from its mushy state.

My sister has been promoting Hong Kong's Whence He Came to everyone in Perth, and she's actually converted quite a few people. (Josh and Ephraim you should consider hiring her as your promoter!) One guy loves WHC so much that he decided after hearing that all the band's merch has sold out, to make his own WHC t-shirt. He actually designed and screen-printed his own t-shirt out of scratch. Evidence shown below (note: yellow shirt is an original WHC t-shirt).

WHC fans in Perth

I have been blessed with awesome friends who have shared their wise thoughts and experiences as well as prayed with me recently as I went through quite a bit of emotional stress and was feeling up and down. Here's the poem that my friend wrote, which really encouraged me.

Believe that today's hardships have taught you a lesson
And that tomorrow you will put that lesson to use.
Believe that when the winter of life sets in it's always followed by a rainbow of hope
Believe that each step will not only take you closer to where you want to be
Believe it will make you WHO you want to be
Believe in imagination
Believe in your dreams
Believe in your strength
Believe beyond circumstances
Believe in resilience
Believe in persistence
Believe in beauty
Use all of this belief
And believe in yourself

Leanne Selby ©

light relief

I don't know about other people, but I know after 4 weeks of the intro course and now into my 2nd week of semester one, my brain has already turned into mush. I'm trying hard to organise my assignments and get my readings up-to-date (what a near impossible task!) Stepping aside from uni stuff... I have been able to spend time with my friends which has been really wonderful. I went to the Switchfoot concert last week, and it was just brilliant! Watched the Oscars the other night with my friends on our new plasma 42" screen, comparing our own Oscar winners on our form guides... and there must be quite a few people born in February and March cuz there seems to be birthday parties happening every weekend. Here are just a few pics from my friend Aimee's party (courtesy of Sarah's camera)

the birthday girl and i + bryce and serg

craig and sarah + me surviving uni

And here are the pictures taken on my camera at Aimee's 21st.

And this is the Mandarin ring tone that I really want on my mobile phone... and another bit of music entertainment.

being a reflective practitioner

Now in my 4th week of uni, I've been learning to write and reflect about the various things I've learnt and the questions I may have about them. For the past 2 weeks I have been observing a primary and a secondary school. I have to say it was definitely an eye-opener for me. Perhaps I've been bombarded with too much talk on reflection from my workshops and lectures, but recently I've found the sermons at church relating to the things I've been learning at school. Weird? Coincidence? Divine? The other day I had a bit of a revelation about my Christian walk. As a silly grad dip student I've analogised it with my 3 unit objectives from my course (yeah what a geek! but it did help me see the light) I'll try to explain it briefly: i) the function of schooling - church is an institution just like a school, and it's role is to help establish relationships, it's a community ii) the diverse roles and responsiblities of teachers - leaders in church help look after the community, caring, and responding in appropriate ways to help nuture others, it's not just talking about the bible, but being relevant iii) the differing abilities and needs of students - we're all students, learning; even teachers who strive to be teachers are learners, we all have different issues in our lives, different backgrounds, but we have one thing in common, we want to learn more about our God our Father.

I've been really struggling with finding a balance in my life for a while now, and my sister gave it to me straight the other day that it was really upsetting her seeing me the way I am knowing the potential that is covered by my constant fits of stressing out. It really made me wake up and I felt so much peace once she finished saying all she had to say to me. Balance is not mine to control, my life isn't for me to control, balance is in the stillness that I find when I wait for Him. Sunday night's church service was called 'Still' and Paul Morrison had some amazing points. One of the things that really interested me was that we live in a very very busy and noisy world now compared to 20 years ago that it now takes over 2,000 hours just to record one second of pure silence (compared to around 3 hours to record a second of pure silence back in those days). How crazy is that!

Anyway on a lighter note... a few more pics. Apologies I only uploaded my pictures off my camera the other day and have got pics from last year... oh well better late than never!... Bits of household news: my brother has been in town for almost a month, he's leaving on Saturday, we've been able to hang out with my cousins quite a bit which has been lots of fun, it'll be very sad when he leaves. My auntie and cousin came over for a short visit from Taiwan during their Chinese New Year holidays, my cousin is so into LOTR that he got play versions of Froddo's cape, the ring and the sword in the city, plus Sarah gave him our stuffed toy parrot Puffy which he adores. Two baby birds have hatched, grown up and now almost ready to leave their nest in our passionfruit vine permanently, we'll miss them when they fly away! What a long entry this has become, I'll stop for now!

the cousins 'da pai' in action + Mose playing mahjong

at JP and Yoshi's marriage registration + karina and leah (happy birthday on the 18th!)

one of the baby birdies + the babies all grown up

our pet koi called Ugly + my cousin Nathan

happy year of the rooster

It just dawned on me this weekend, that it is Chinese New Year this coming Wednesday, the year of the rooster! Unfortunately no one over here seems to celebrate it. Plus the nice summer weather is a huge difference to the freezing New Years! I think that this year is the first year I have not been in Hong Kong to celebrate CNY. I'm thinking of all the yummy food I'm missing out on, and all the post-CNY sales, and the many packets of laisee that I will not be able to 'dau' this year!... I will not cry!

祝你新年快樂! 身體健康! 萬世如意!